Embodiments of the present disclosure are directed towards an integrated circuit (IC) die. In embodiments, an IC die may include a semiconductor substrate, a group III-Nitride or II-VI wurtzite layer disposed over the semiconductor substrate, and a plurality of buffer structures at least partially embedded in the group III-Nitride or II-VI wurtzite layer. In some embodiments, each of the plurality of buffer structures may include a central member disposed over the semiconductor substrate, a lower lateral member disposed over the semiconductor substrate and extending laterally away from the central member, and an upper lateral member disposed over the central member and extending laterally from the central member in an opposite direction from the lower lateral member. The plurality of buffer structures may be positioned in a staggered arrangement to terminate defects of the group III-Nitride or II-VI wurtzite layer. Other embodiments may be described and/or claimed.